Immortal Guardians Monday—Giveaway, News & Excerpt

Happy Monday! I admit I've never been fond of Monday's, so that's not a phrase I've used very often. But I'm determined to make this a better week than last week and I have exciting news to share with you! 

(If you're on my Street Team, you've already heard this.) 

When Blade of Darkness released, the two questions I was asked the most were Who will the next book be about? and When will Seth get his own book? I happily told everyone that Seth's book would be the next full-length novel released in the series, but that there might be a novella between now and then. Well, now I can tell you that . . . 

There will definitely be a novella between now and then and I'm VERY excited about it! This story has been rambling around in my imagination for quite a while now. And when I published Aidan's book, this story just leapt forward, grabbed me and insisted I tell it next. I don't think I've ever written so fast before. I've had some really fantastic writing days and hope to finish the first draft soon. I'm going to keep the hero and heroine a secret, though, until I reveal the blurb. ;-)

For those who wished my first two novellas had been longer and had been released as individual paperbacks, I have more good news! Because the first two novellas were traditionally published, I had to adhere to a strict word count and was supposed to keep it below 100 pages. This one, however, I will indie publish, so I can make it as long as I want. And it's looking like the manuscript will come in at well over 200 pages. Woohoo!! It will also release in ebook and trade paperback. I'll let you know a little bit later whether or not it will release in audiobook, too. :-)

If you'd like to find some new favorite books and enter to win lots of prizes, Night Owl Reviews is hosting the Winter Wonderland Reader Scavenger Hunt. Many of you mentioned enjoying the last scavenger hunt, so I thought I'd do it again and am participating alongside 32 other authors. The hunt begins today and lasts through December 13th. And 118 Winners will be awarded $825 in prizes. I hope you'll join the fun! You can do so HERE.

Available in ebook, paperback and audiobook

Audible • Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks • Amazon CA

Amazon UK • Amazon DE • Amazon AU • Amazon FR

You may have noticed I haven't been posting as often and have missed quite a few Favorite Quote Friday posts. Sorry about that. I've been spending less time online and more time writing furiously on this latest story. :-) So I thought I would share an excerpt of Blade of Darkness today. It features Aidan and Dana (the hero and heroine), as well as Ethan and Heather (hero and heroine of Shadows Strike), and is told from Dana's point of view:
_________________________________

“Heather,” Aidan murmured, “I’d like you to remain here on the roof with Dana while Ethan and I take care of the vampires.”

Heather’s face darkened with a belligerent frown. “Are you ordering me to stay here because I’m a girl?”

Aidan’s eyebrows flew up. “No,” he responded with obvious surprise. “I want you to stay here and guard Dana because you match me in strength and speed. She’ll be safer with you.”

Ethan nodded.

“Oh.” Heather sent Aidan an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Force of habit. I have to deal with a lot of good ol’ boys in law enforcement agencies and that run along and play, little girl, while the men take care of business attitude has gotten old.”

Ethan grinned. “I keep trying to tell you, honey, immortal males aren’t stupid. We love strong women.”

Aidan smiled at Dana. “We really do.” And the affection that accompanied his words as he stared down at her made warmth unfurl inside her.

“All right, all right,” Heather said, waving her hands at Aidan. “Don’t get all goo-goo eyed. You boys have work to do. Get moving.”

Laughing, Aidan leaned down and brushed a quick kiss against Dana’s lips. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Turning away, he joined Ethan at the edge of the roof. Then the two just stepped off and dropped out of sight.

_________________________________

Yep. My guys love strong women. And the hero in my current WIP (work in progress) is no different. ;-)

Have a great week!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #104

Happy Friday the 13th!  Though I shall endeavor to resist, I suspect I will—as usual—be lured into watching another Friday the 13th marathon tonight.  This picture of Jason reminds me of the time I crawled out of a moonlit grave and wielded a machete as big as his in an independent film.

Good times.  Good times.  ;-)

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I have cool news to share.  The prestigious Kirkus Reviews gave Shadows Strike, my latest Immortal Guardians book, a fantastic review:

“This series boasts numerous characters, a deep back story, and extensive worldbuilding. Duvall cleverly uses Heather’s presence as a way to easily introduce new readers to the fictional world, as other characters explain things to her. She’s a capable protagonist, never falling into the tedious role of damsel in distress. Ethan will seem familiar to sci-fi and fantasy fans, as he boasts the glowing charms of Twilight’s Edward Cullen and the vicious durability of the X-Men’s Wolverine . . . A nice entry point to an expansive saga.”

Since Wolverine is my favorite X-Men character, I'm very pleased.  And it was nice to know the reviewer thought this book would be an easy place for new readers to jump into the series.  :-)  You can read the full review HERE.

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Attention Bloggers!  Sign-Ups for my Phantom Embrace Blog Tour will close soon.  There will be Q and As, author posts, excerpts, reviews, spotlights and more + a tour-wide giveaway with three prizes.  If you'd like to join the fun, you can do so HERE.

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I'll be giving away some Immortal Guardians & The Gifted Ones Swag Packs on My Facebook Page this weekend.  The contest will begin today and end Sunday.  I hope you'll hop over and join the fun!  

A USA Today Bestseller

"Fans of terrific paranormal romance have hit the 

jackpot with Duvall and her electrifying series."

—RT Book Reviews

Amazon • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

BAM! • Walmart • Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday! Since Shadows Strike brought me good news, I thought I would share a quote from it today.  This scene takes place very early in the book and features Ethan and Heather, the hero and heroine.  :-)

“If you aren’t a precog, why did you look so uneasy when I suggested you were different from other humans?” He heard her heart begin to pound as a spark of fear entered her lovely brown eyes. “Do you possess other gifts or abilities?” 

She remained silent. 

“It’s okay, Heather,” he assured her.  “You can tell me.  I’m different, too.” 

Her lips twitched.  “The fangs, glowing eyes, and super speed kinda clued me in to that.” 

Ethan laughed, ignoring the pain that shot through his back. He really liked this woman. 

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Dianne

A Sale, An Anniversary, & A Favorite Quote

Happy Friday!  February is here!  And with it came a big anniversary for me. 

Five years ago on February 1st, 2011, my first book—Darkness Dawns—was published.  Since then, I've published 6 more novels, 2 novellas, 9 audiobooks, and 3 German translations. What an exciting ride it has been!  Thank you all for accompanying me on my journey! You've been so wonderful and supportive and SO much fun.  :-)  I can't wait to see what the next five years will bring! 

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Amazon • Nook • iTunes • Kobo
Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

I have good news!  Shadows Strike is on sale for a limited time on Kindle.  Only $1.99 (USD)!  That's 75% off regular price!  Other vendors are price matching, but I'm not sure how long it will last.  So if you haven't read it and would like to give it a try, this would deb a great time to pick up a copy.

A USA Today Bestseller

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  For today's selection, I've chosen a quote from Shadows Strike, one of my latest releases.  It's taken from a scene that features Ethan and Heather, the hero and heroine.  :-)

Her lips quirked up in a smile as her brown eyes lit with amusement. “So . . . any other revelations you’d care to make while I’m sitting down?” 

“Actually, yes,” he said. “I’m not a vampire. I’m an immortal.” 

She studied him a long moment. “This is going to be one of those days, isn’t it?” 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Good News, a Great Sale, & Favorite Quote Friday

Happy Friday!  Can you believe it's already November?  :-)

I have good news to share.  A Sorceress of His Own has been selected as Book of the Month over at Long and Short Reviews.  Thanks so much, everyone who voted for it when it was nominated.  Voting only lasted a couple of days, so I appreciated your zipping over to cast your votes.  :-)  

Long and Short Reviews also gave A Sorceress of His Own a wonderful review.  Here's a snippet:

You can read the full review HERE.

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Kindle • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

The good news doesn't stop there.  Night Unbound, Immortal Guardians Book 5, is on sale in ebook format for just $1.99.  That's 75% off!  If you're new to the series, Night Unbound can be read as a stand alone novel.  You'll just be more familiar with the secondary characters if you read the books in order.  ;-)

A USA Today Bestseller

Amazon • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

BAM! • Walmart • Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  Fantastic reviews continue to roll in for Shadows Strike, my latest Immortal Guardians book.  I'm so glad readers are enjoying it!  :-)  For today's selection, I thought I would give you a snippet of Shadows Strike that features the hero and heroine, Ethan and Heather, and includes Zach and Lisette (hero and heroine of Night Unbound).  I'll preface it by mentioning that Zach is the tallest character in the series.  He's also a telepath.  :-)

Zach removed Lisette’s hand from his mouth and pressed a kiss to her palm instead of bending over to reach her lips.   

Heather glanced up at Ethan and thought him the perfect height for her.  He was tall, but not tall enough that he would have to pick her up to kiss her properly. 

“Ahh,” Zach said, “but picking Lisette up always puts her right where I want her—pressed up against me with her legs wrapped around my waist.” 

Lisette’s mouth dropped open.  “Zach!” 

Heather didn’t know whether to laugh or to complain about Zach’s having read her thoughts. 

Ethan settled a hand on her lower back.  “I’m not even going to ask.”

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday + Giveaway

Happy Friday!  I am so ready for the weekend.  Aren't you?  :-)  So let's start it off with both a giveaway and a giveaway reminder.

Join me on My Facebook Page for a Swag Pack Giveaway.  The giveaway begins today an lasts through Saturday night.  :-)

If you want to ensure you won't miss any of my other Facebook giveaways, including flash giveaways I don't mention here or on my website, then Like my page and—in the Like menu—select either "Get Notifications" or "See First" so Facebook's ever-changing algorithms won't keep you from seeing my posts.  :-)

Just a reminder.  Kensington is giving away lots of goodies—including a copy of Shadows Strike, On the Hunt, and Night's Surrender—in the Take a Bite Out f Romance Halloween Giveaway.  You can find all of the details and enter HERE.

Author Nana Prah gave A Sorceress of His Own, The Gifted Ones Book 1, a great review.  Here's a snippet:

Megan, from Riverina Romantics gave Darkness Dawns, Immortal Guardians Book 1, a great review, too.  Here's a snippet:

A USA Today Bestseller

Amazon • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

BAM! • Walmart • Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It' time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  For today's selection, I thought I would give you another peek into the pages of Shadows Strike, Ethan and Heather's story:

“Your eyes are glowing again,” she whispered. 

He swore and brought a hand to them as if he could rub the damned luminescence out of them.  “I’m sorry.  I had a fleeting image of lying in bed with you and . . .” 

“Oh.”  Her tone reflected surprise and he couldn’t decided what else. 

“I know.  But I promise I’m not a total degenerate.  I’m just tired and seem to have no control over my body when I’m around you.”  Lowering his hand, he forced himself to meet her gaze and almost did a double take. 

A wide smile brightened her features.  “That is so cool.” 

He arched a brow.  “What is?” 

“I don’t have to guess if you’re attracted to me because it’s all right there in your eyes.  And I don’t mean in a corny chick flick kind of way.  But in a Bam! in-your-face kind of way.  It’s like a sexual barometer or a mood ring.” 

He laughed. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday & a Halloween Giveaway

Happy Friday!  I think (and hope rather desperately) that we're actually going to have slightly cooler temperatures this weekend.  Hooray!  Nothing that will make the leaves change color.  But I'll take what I can get and pretend Autumn temps are just around the corner . . . which puts me in a Halloween frame of mind.

Kensington is having a really fun Halloween Giveaway this month.  The paranormal prize pack up for grabs includes:

• Physical copies of Shadows Strike, On the Hunt, and Night's Surrender
• Set of four Halloween themed ceramic plates
• One Halloween scented candle (with bat wing decoration)
• One Black Cat stuffed toy
• Assorted Halloween candies including: Sugar gel blood packs, dismembered sucker fingers, gummy fingers, eyeball gumballs
• Pack of skeleton blood bubbles

You can find the details and enter HERE.

A USA Today Bestseller

Amazon • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

BAM! • Walmart • Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  I want to thank you again, everyone who has rated or reviewed Shadows Strike.  I'm so glad you're enjoying Ethan and Heather's story.  And I love, too, that so many of you are rooting for Cliff.  :-)  For today's selection, I thought I would give you another glimpse of Ethan and Heather together:

She eyed the small duffle bag he carried.  "That had better not contain duct tape, rope, and a scalpel." 

He grinned.  "I'm not a serial killer, Heather.  This is just my first aid kit."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday, News, Review & a Giveaway

Happy Friday!  I missed posting last week, so I have quite a bit to share with you.  Let's start with . . .

RT Reviewers Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance Nominee

"A thrilling and chilling new paranormal series.  Fantastic!"

—RT Book Reviews

Darkness Dawns in audiobook is on sale on audible.com for just $4.95!  If this is your first time hearing about it, Darkness Dawns is the first book in my bestselling Immortal Guardians series.  The audiobook is narrated by talented Kirsten Potter.  You can find it HERE.

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Heroes and Heartbreakers did a very fun post, Fantasy Casting my Immortal Guardians series.  Drop by, peruse the actors and see if you agree with their choices!  You can find it HERE.

Wonderful reviews continue to roll in for my summer releases—A Sorceress of His Own, Shadows Strike, and On the Hunt.  I know I keep saying this, but I'm so thrilled that readers and reviewers are enjoying them.  :-)

You can read the full review HERE.

You can read the full review HERE.

Thank you again, everyone who has taken time to rate or review the books.  I appreciate it so much!!

Look what came in the mail—my author copies of Shadows Strike.  Woohoo!!  

Now that I have them in hand, I thought I would give one away this weekend in a Flash Giveaway over on Facebook.  :-)  The contest starts today and will last through Saturday night.  See you on My Facebook Page!

A USA Today Bestseller

Amazon • Audible • Nook • iTunes • Kobo

BAM! • Walmart • Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  For today's selection, I thought I would give you another peek into the pages of my latest release—Shadows Strike.  This scene takes place very early in the book, shortly after Heather and Ethan meet for the first time.  I'll add that it's been a rather harrowing morning for Heather, who has just discovered that vampires really exist.  ;-)

Heather dragged her gaze away from him and glanced down, surprised to see several scratches on her hands.  She much have scraped them on rocks or sticks when Ethan and the vampire had knocked her down.  Though the cuts weren't deep, they had managed to birth a few beads of blood. 

She looked up at Ethan. 

A faint amber glow entered his eyes.  Was he drawn by the blood? 

She cleared her throat.  "If you start licking my hands, I'm going to totally lose it." 

He laughed—a deep rumble that warmed her insides and demanded she smile in return.  Then his grin twisted into a grimace of pain.  "Don't make me laugh." 

"Sorry."

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne